The trucking industry is highly regulated and for good reason. However, this doesn’t stop some trucking companies in Louisiana and elsewhere, or their employees, from pushing boundaries and crossing lines. When they fail to follow the established guidelines, truck accidents may result.
One issue that has likely contributed to a number of truck accidents in the state of Louisiana is truck weight. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the weight of cargo on commercial haulers is not to exceed the amount of weight they are designed to carry. Different trucks can carry different amounts.
When a truck is overloaded, which happens more often than people think, several things can happen. For starters, an overloaded truck is more likely to flip over or jackknife. On top of that, heavy loads can overwork the tires and braking system, which will affect stopping ability. Finally, when a truck is overweight, it can be more difficult to control in bad weather. In other words, overloaded commercial vehicles are dangerous, and when they are involved in accidents, the results can be disastrous.
Truck accidents happen quite frequently, and they affect a significant number of people every year. The victims’ losses are often substantial and something they should not be left to deal with alone. If trucking accidents are the result of company or driver negligence, victims or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members may seek compensation for any losses endured. They can do this by filing claims in civil court against all those deemed responsible. With the assistance of legal counsel, relief may be achieved through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.